A Typology of the Use of Intimate Partner Psychological Aggression in a Clinical Sample of Men

Abstract

The development of profiles of individuals' use of intimate partner aggression based on similarities in traits allows for the customization of psychological treatment, which can increase successful therapeutic outcomes and enhance cost-effective practices. Among the existent typologies of partner aggression, none, to our knowledge, has focused on self-reported justification for the specific use of intimate partner psychological aggression (IPPA). Yet, IPPA functions within the context of their justifications. This study aimed to expand on the previously established typologies by proposing a new typology based on the justification for the use of IPPA. A sample of 456 men seeking therapeutic services for their couple’s relationship problems completed a series of questionnaires. A final five-profile solution was obtained using latent profile analyses (i.e., labeled low justification, internal justification, external justification, low malevolence, and high malevolence). The profiles were then compared on diverse IPPA-related variables, further differentiating each profile’s unique combination of characteristics. The profiles range from low to high IPPA severity and present unique patterns of justifications and relational and psychological functioning. A description of each profile and their implications is discussed in the study. Overall, the results emphasize the importance of evaluating justifications in addition to IPPA perpetration and conceptualizing psychological aggression within its context to offer more targeted therapeutic interventions.